Loading...
Journal Title
Readers/Advisors
Peretz-Lange, Rebecca
Journal Title
Term and Year
Spring 2024
Publication Date
2024
Book Title
Publication Volume
Publication Issue
Publication Begin
Publication End
Number of pages
Collections
Files
7864_Victoria_Jewoola.pdf
Adobe PDF, 68.97 KB
- Embargoed until 2029-05-14
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Abstract
Children, like adults, naturally form explanations to make sense of the social disparities they observe. The kinds of explanations children form are varied, and include biological, behavioral, and structural explanations. In reasoning through why disparities exist, children's explanations can either mitigate or reinforce their prejudices and stereotypes. Past research has found that structural explanations can reduce prejudice, by helping children to view groups as externally disadvantaged rather than internally inferior. However, in this study, I explore whether structural explanations can also unfortunately reinforce stereotypes about disadvantaged groups. Child participants (n = 60) were told a story about fictional groups; the Boubas and Kikis. Participants were told that a Bouba was better at a task than a Kiki, and they were given an explanation for why this was (either a biological, behavioral, structural, or no explanation, across four between-subjects conditions). Participants then responded to questions about whether other Boubas or Kikis would be good or bad at the task. Results revealed that children formed stereotypes about the Boubas and Kiki (i.e., expecting other Boubas to be good at the task and other Kikis to be bad at the task) in all three experimental conditions, including the structural condition. Implications are discussed.
Citation
DOI
Description
Accessibility Statement
Purchase College - State University of New York (PC) is committed to ensuring that people with disabilities have an opportunity equal to that of their nondisabled peers to participate in the College's programs, benefits, and services, including those delivered through electronic and information technology. If you encounter an access barrier with a specific item and have a remediation request, please contact lib.ir@purchase.edu.